Vinicius James "Vinny" Bardwell

Vinicius James Bardwell "Vinny, VinnyWinny, Binny", passed away on March 15th, 2025, after dealing with mental illness for a number of years.

Vinny was born on December 23rd, 2008, in Manchester, NH, to Charles J. and Erika (Siqueira) Bardwell, was his parent's pride and joy; their only child. He was the love and light of their lives. Vinny was not only American, but also Brazilian with his mother being from Brazil. 

As a little boy, Vinny was a fish. He loved the water and became a very good swimmer. He loved the outdoors; picking up sticks to pretend to use as weapons, and he loved to catch frogs at his grandmother's pond. He also loved to ride his bike and play sports, trying almost everything. There was: soccer, basketball, baseball, track, football, flag football, and lacrosse. 

Vinny has always been in the Catholic school system, from St. Peter's Daycare and Preschool, St. Anthony's "Cardinal Lacroix", St. Joseph's, and finally, Trinity High School. 

Vinny was a sophomore at Trinity where he was an integral member of the varsity soccer team; starting as a freshman and sophomore. He also played on Trinity's varsity lacrosse team as a freshman and had been looking forward to this coming season. Vinny was in the process of finishing driver's ed, and had been looking forward to getting out and driving on his own. Vinny made honor roll many times and was adored by many of his teachers, teammates, and classmates. 

Vinny's presence brought joy to everyone around him. Whether it was through his infectious smile or ability to uplift others, he has left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and school. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

Vinny had two favorite places in this world, his Grammy's in Canterbury, NH, and his grandparent's farm in Caroalina, Pernambuco, Brazil. He could always be himself there with the love of his grandparents and his love for nature. At his Grammy's, he loved his Papa, whom he lost last year to a brain tumor. They would do so much together and Vinny would always help him with everything such as: gardening, taking care of the chickens, splitting firewood, and using the heavy landscaping equipment. This included using an excavator and bobcat. Vinny would ride the ATV his Papa had behind his house on all the trails, and would ride his dirt bike there too. After his Papa passed, Vinny would go there every weekend to help his Grammy with whatever she needed. He loved them both with all his heart. 

Vinny has traveled to Brazil over a dozen times to enjoy spending time with his Brazilian grandparents at their family farm. He loved the farm animals, fresh fruit, and how life was there. He enjoyed experiencing new things that he didn't have at home. His grandfather there also shared a birthday with him of December 23rd. 

Vinny and his father were best buddies. They would call each other "Bot, Bud, or Dude", and enjoyed spending time together. Passing the football, playing soccer and lacrosse were some of their favorite activities to share together. His dad, Charles, had been teaching Vinny how to drive and wanted to make sure he was the best driver before letting him out on his own. 

Vinny's mother, Erika, was the most loving mother to him. She was always ensuring that Vinny was taken care of and was always providing him the most amazing meals after a long day. His mother loved him more than life itself and made sure that all of his friends who would come over felt like they were at home in their house. 

His parents always wanted the best for him and for Vinny to enjoy his life. This past February, Vinny and his family went to Puerto Rico on vacation and had the most fun-filled week together. They created memories hiking, climbing and swimming through caves, jumping off cliffs, zip-lining, snorkeling, and trying to surf. He looked truly happy when he was there, like he had when he was a little boy. 

Vinny had two cousins, Isaac and Caleb Pichette, who were like his brothers. The trio were always together growing up, and they were inseparable. Growing up, they spent weekends, holidays, camping adventures, and trips to Brazil with each other, enjoying their life. They all attended Trinity High School together where Vinny would act like their older brother and always look out for them. 

Vinny leaves behind his loving parents, Charles and Erika Bardwell; great-grandfather Edwin "Ted" Bardwell; grandparents Rosemarie Musumeci Reidsema, Charles E. and his wife Catherine Bardwell, and Gilberto and Vilma Siqueira who are his grandparents in Brazil; uncles and aunts David and Ianka Pichette and Jonathan and Chris Bardwell; cousins Isaac and Caleb Pichette, and River Bardwell. He also leaves behind a very large extended family in the Bardwell, Siqueira, Reidsema and Musumeci families. 

He was predeceased by his his Papa Timothy Reidsema. 

There will be a mass for Vinny at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Manchester, NH, on March 29th, 2025, at 11am. The family is working on a separate place and time for a memorial where friends, family, and everyone who knew Vinny can come together to share memories and tell stories. The family wants all those who will be attending to know that this will not be a time of mourning, but instead, a time of remembrance of the joy and happiness that Vinny brought to everyone around him. If you are attending either the mass or the memorial, please wear what you would like. That is what Vinny would have wanted since he had his own eclectic style and hated to be stifled by fancy clothes. School colors and team uniforms are highly encouraged from his class and teammates. Vinny's favorite color was bright yellow. Feel free to wear his favorite color if you choose.

Lastly, parents, please listen to your children beyond what is said. Pay attention to their demeanor. Love them, protect them, and help them no matter what that means you have to do for them.